Nature Worx

Each day has the capacity to be a good one. Be grateful for this new day. Be like the birds, who sing and welcome each new day, without fail. They continue to sing, no matter what the day may bring. May we be like the birds, welcoming each new day. May we navigate this journey, always being fully present to the joy that exists in the here in now. Follow your heart, it will not lead you astray. May we always find something to be grateful for, no matter what is going on in our lives right now.

~ Mary Anne Byrne, Spirit of a Hippie

~ Art by Lucy Grossmith

Shared from the Healing Forest website, this resource offers a fresh approach to meditation using five short films (2 minutes or less) from stunning natural spaces around the world. These films transport you to surreal landscapes that captivate your attention and invite reflection.

Grab a pen and notebook, and as you watch each film, jot down any insights or thoughts that arise. Reflect on how these meditative moments in nature can apply to your own life. For an even deeper experience, share these meditations with someone close and discuss your insights together.

Click on the video image to start, and for the best experience, watch in full-screen mode with headphones. 🌱

5 Nature Meditations To Elevate Your Mind For beginners as well as seasoned adventurers

🎃👻 Spooky Season Fun! 👻🎃 Look who we spotted at the MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital Wellness Fair—Audrey the Pumpkin! This little green monster was channeling her planty powers and adding a fun, festive touch to the event. 🎃🌱 Hope your Halloween is filled with treats and maybe even some magical pumpkins of your own! If you have a pumpkin you're proud of, share a photo below!!

We have another opportunity for you to find peace with Nature Worx on Saturday, this time at Lake Roland, where gentle trails and tranquil waters invite you to slow down and reconnect. We’ll pause to take in the sights and sounds around us, shifting from “doing” to “being.” Let Lake Roland’s beauty refresh your spirit and bring you back to calm. We have a few spots left - join through Meetup and experience it for yourself!

https://www.meetup.com/nature-worx-saunters/events/302604405/?eventOrigin=group_events_list

Join Nature Worx this Saturday morning, Nov. 2 from 10-11:30 for an immersive journey through the stunning landscapes of Masonville Cove. We’ll wander slowly, taking time to pause, breathe, and awaken our senses, shifting from “doing” to truly “being.” Discover simple, yet powerful, ways to create space for yourself to relax, rejuvenate, and fully embrace the beauty of the natural world. Let’s connect and savor the joy of autumn all around us!
Register here: https://www.masonvillecove.org/event-info/guided-walk-with-nature-worx-6

Last week, we had sessions with 6th, 7th and 8th graders at Edgewood Middle School. The kids had a great time building shelters in the woods and we witnessed some awesome teamwork!🫶 We also spotted a box turtle and made sure not to disturb it as it prepares for hibernation.🐢 The one complaint we heard from the kids? They all wished we had more time to be outside and they definitely want to come back and do it again. We call that a win! Grateful for the staff and administrators who've supported this effort to bring Nature Worx to schools. 🍂🍁

We couldn't have asked for a more perfect autumn day for a Nature Worx session at Joppatowne this morning! We admired the changing leaves, practiced some breathing techniques, looked for treasure, and shared some things we were grateful for. We're thrilled with how well our pilot program is being received by the students. 🌿🍂🌞

Happy Friday!🍁Take a Moment to Breathe...

In the rush of daily life, we often forget to slow down and simply be. Nature has a unique way of helping us reconnect with ourselves and find peace in the present moment. Take time this week to step outside, breathe deeply, and enjoy the beauty around you. Just a few minutes of mindful presence in nature can make a world of difference.

🌿 Research shows that just 120 minutes a week in nature is linked to better health and well-being! 🌳 Whether it’s one long walk or several shorter visits, spending time outdoors can make a big difference for your mind and body. The benefits peak between 200-300 minutes, so now’s the perfect time to get outside and recharge. Nature is a simple, yet powerful tool for improving health—take advantage of it! 🌿

A 2-Hour Dose of Nature Each Week Could Make You Happier and Healthier Forget your complicated and expensive wellness regime and just . . . go outside.

Join us for our last Rest & Recharge session of the year at the beautiful Harford Glen! 🌿🍁 Take a moment to replenish your soul and soak in the beauty of the season. Whether it's a quiet walk, mindful breathing, or simply being present in nature, this is your time to relax and restore. Don’t miss this final opportunity to connect with yourself and the outdoors before winter arrives! Register here - bring a friend or family member! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rest-recharge-with-nature-healing-support-for-professionals-tickets-912825655107

Today, we honor Indigenous Peoples' Day, a time to recognize and celebrate the deep connections that Indigenous communities have had with the land for thousands of years. Indigenous wisdom teaches us the importance of living in harmony with nature, respecting the earth, and protecting the environment for future generations. 🌎✨

At Nature Worx, we are grateful for the knowledge and traditions that inspire a deeper relationship with the natural world. Let us all take a moment today to reflect, learn, and appreciate the ways Indigenous cultures have shaped and continue to shape our understanding of nature and sustainability.

We’re thrilled to be piloting our nature-based program in two Harford County schools this year! 🙌 So far, the students have been incredibly receptive, with one young man even sharing that his experience with Nature Worx was life-changing! 🌟

We truly believe that creating a deeper connection with nature IS life-changing—especially for young people. In a world where so much time is spent in front of screens, these outdoor experiences provide a refreshing alternative that helps students reduce stress, build resilience, and improve their mental well-being.

We can’t wait to reach even more students and continue making a positive impact in their lives, one nature experience at a time! 🌲✨

At Nature Worx, we believe in the power of nature to heal and support mental well-being. Whether it’s stressed-out students, veterans, or families facing challenges, our nature-based sessions provide a safe space for reflection, relaxation, and renewal.

Through mindfulness, nature walks, and sensory activities, we help participants reconnect to themselves and find peace in the outdoors. 🌱 Our work is rooted in the belief that time spent in nature can reduce stress, boost mood, and enhance overall mental health.

Join us in celebrating by prioritizing time outside. How does nature help you find peace? Let us know in the comments below. 🌍💚🌼

Sneak peek! Behind the scenes of an exciting new opportunity! 🌿 Nature Worx is honored to be one of 10 Chesapeake Bay Grant recipients to be featured in a video series this fall. We had the chance to share our impactful work with veterans and are thrilled that we'll be able to tell our story in a fresh, meaningful way. Stay tuned for more! Bay Trust

We had the pleasure of hosting a beautiful session with an amazing group of women this weekend at Arboretum in Baltimore. Together, we practiced mindfulness, held space for one another, and shared moments of peace while soaking up the glorious sunshine.

From gentle movement to exploring the sensory garden and meditating under the shade of some gorgeous trees, it was a truly special experience. 🌳✨

A heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined us! We’re grateful for your energy and connection. 💚

We had an amazing day with McCormick Inc. alumni at Oregon Ridge! Participants came expecting just a walk in the woods but ended up experiencing so much more—connecting deeply with nature and one another. From making wishes on puffballs to creating group artwork with fallen leaves and twigs, participants shared how it exceeded their expectations. A beautiful reminder of the power of nature!

Our Nature Worx guides, Ted Martello, Phil Hosmer, Sage Raindancer and Phillip McKnight enjoyed pizza after guiding several sessions for the residents of Baltimore Station in which they enjoyed the beautiful surroundings of Camp Puh'tok in Monkton.

We are thrilled to announce that our abstract was accepted by the World Forum on Forest Therapy 2024, to be held in Daejon, South Korea next month! Our presentation summarizes the outcomes of a research study analyzing the efficacy and impact of our program in supporting those in recovery from substance use disorder.

World Forum on Forest Therapy 2024 Forest for Health, Happiness and Well-being

As we welcome the first day of autumn, nature reminds us of the beauty in letting go. In our latest blog post, we explore how this season encourages us to release what weighs us down and find renewal in nature. Take a moment to embrace the peace and clarity that time outdoors can bring this fall.
🍁🍂🌞

Embracing Autumn: The Season of Letting Go As we transition into autumn, the changing leaves remind us of the natural cycle of letting go. Trees shed their leaves, preparing for rest, renewal, and next spring’s growth. There’s a lesson in this process for all of us. In a world that feels heavy with uncertainty and stress, fall offers a p...

🌿 Saturday, September 21! 🌿 Nature Worx is hosting a FREE Family Fun Session in Spanish at Masonville Cove. Join us for a morning of nature exploration and relaxation. If you know a family that would benefit from this experience, invite them to come along and please share this post! 🌱✨

📅 Date: Saturday, September 21
📍 Location: Masonville Cove
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM

We look forward to seeing you for a morning of connecting with nature! 💚

More highlights from Masonville Cove! We shifted our perspective by gazing up at two massive eagles' nests 🦅and then getting up close with the fascinating, intricate details of plant life .🌱🌼 We wrapped it all up with deep relaxation, simply letting ourselves "just be" on the floating dock, soaking in the calming rhythm of the waves.

Thank you to everyone who came out to join us on Urban Conservation Day, and to Masonville for hosting a fantastic event!🌊✨

🌞You can’t pour from an empty cup, so why not fill it up with some sunshine and self-care?

🌿Perfect for those on the front lines of care, this event will help you de-stress and recharge through nature-based mindfulness practices.

☀️Join us this Saturday September 21st at Harford Glen from 10am-11:30am for a fun and relaxing morning in nature!

🌳 Let’s recharge, unwind, and maybe even hug a tree or two!
Don’t miss out!

SIGN UP HERE: linktr.ee/natureworxorg

🍃Hosted by Nature Worx and Grey Matter Counseling & Consulting, it’s FREE and a great way to connect with peers and reconnect with yourself and nature.

Share the love and invite others!

Had a blast at Urban Conservation Day at Masonville Cove! 🌿 Our first session kicked off with some awesome nature enthusiasts from Girl Scouts of Central Maryland. We discovered all kinds of treasures and shared why being in nature is so good for us! 🐦🍃